Animal Crackers in My Soup

Here it is (meatless) Monday again.  There are so many ways to avoid animal products and so many foods that are “accidentally” vegan.  I thought this morning I would start a list, and hopefully make it easier for you to make choices that support your health as well as the health of the animals and the planet.

Sure Oreos are accidentally vegan, and a great place to start, but those don’t fit into my nutrition plan, and they probably don’t fit into yours, either, so here’s a few things I do/make that might be helpful to you.

My day usually begins with oatmeal.  I don’t buy fancy oats, but instead opt for Quaker in the cylinder.  They are often BOGO at Publix, which means each bowl costs a few pennies.  Literally.  I make enough for a few days, and then reheat (I admit to using the microwave for that) for 2 minutes with whatever fruits and peanut butter and then just add some cinnamon.  Filling, healthy, a good pop of fiber and low in calories.  Breakfast.  It’s done.  Want to splurge?  Most bagels (unless they have egg) are vegan as are many breads and english muffins.

Obviously ALL your fruits and veggies are animal free.  Opt for a fruit snack and perhaps a salad for lunch.  All veggies have small amounts of protein, which, when added together start to add up.  Throwing some chick peas into that salad will help boost the protein.  I keep Vans protein waffles in my freezer and often have one with a smear of peanut butter before a late afternoon/evening workout.

Most Sundays I make a pot of soup but last night I made a bunch of roasted veggies and tofu to last for a few days.  Tofu gets a bad rap but it is ridiculously versatile, super inexpensive, high in protein, and low in calories.  It is rather tasteless, but has the ability to absorb flavors it is marinated in.  If you need help learning how to work with and cook tofu please ask me!!

There are SO many alternative products these days from burgers and sausage to milks, cheeses and yogurts and tons of decadent desserts!  Long gone are the days (and jokes) about vegans eating lettuce.  Or ice.  Truth is, with so many options, I had to pull way back because so many of them are NOT diet friendly and not so healthy.  They are “special occasion” options.

Of course, meatless does NOT have to mean vegan —  but it sure feels good when it does…. for the body and the soul and imagine how happy it makes the animals…and for the record, Animal Crackers…yes, they are accidentally vegan and have been released from their cages!